Museum Camps Bring History to Students

RAHWAY — The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association (MDTMA) will hold their annual History Day Camps for students ages 8 – 13 at the Museum in mid-August. Aug. 5 – 9 is the Explore New Jersey History Day Camp, and Aug. 12 – 16 is the Archaeology Day Camp. Both camp weeks run from Monday through Friday and from 9 am to 2 pm. The cost is $150 per week and a few openings in each camp are still available. Applications can be found on www.merchantsanddrovers.org or by calling the Museum at: 732-381-0441.

The camp programs have been developed and will be run by local historians Alex Shipley, a retired Rahway school teacher, and Lisa Michaloski, who holds a graduate degree in archaeology from Monmouth University. The first camp session, Explore New Jersey History from Aug. 5 through 9, will daily investigate a different time period in New Jersey’s history, beginning with the first native Lenape inhabitants and ending with the post WWII era. The camp will include guest speakers, hands-on activities, and much more.

“History is even more interesting when you get your hands dirty!” Lisa Michaloski noted. This summer marks the 12th annual Archaeology Camp that offers an exceptional hands-on learning experience that will allow students to be active historians! From Aug. 12th through the 16th, children will learn the ins and outs of archaeology, all while excavating an area on the site of the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum that it has occupied since the 18th century. Under the supervision of a trained archaeologist, campers will learn excavation techniques, proper safety methods, and how to accurately record artifacts found. “Providing an interactive experience is memorable and enjoyable way to learn history which is why so many campers return year after year, and many older students return as camp counselors,” Michaloski added.

Children can register for one or both camps and counselors are on hand to help the camper’s experience and provide adequate supervision. Both camps are held on site at the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, 1632 St. Georges Ave. in Rahway. To learn more about these two History Day Camps August 5 – 16 and to get an application, call the Museum at: 732-381-0441.

The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association is dedicated to preserving the Merchants and Drovers Tavern (c. 1795), the Terrill Tavern (c. 1735), developing the site as a tavern museum and to interpreting the important role played by taverns in early American history; to provide a regional education, cultural and historic resource; and to preserve
local history. The tavern, located at St. Georges Avenue (Rt. 27) and Westfield Avenue in Rahway, is recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum is open 4 days a week. To learn more about the exhibits, guided tours, events and openings go to: www.merchantsanddrovers.org, or call 732-381-0441.